Perhaps we should call it the gratitude season: grateful for the generosity of Nature, the gifts of work, the good will and love of friends and family.

The pumpkins still look cheerful and the new poinsettias on display are just irresistible.  We do, after all, live in the poinsettia-growing area of the country, and our highway exit is Poinsettia Lane.

The reflected morning sun on these vivid colors gives me hope.